Problem gambling is twice as common in 15 and 16 year-olds as it is in adults, according to a gambling charity.
Around 3,500 teenagers of that age are engaged in problem gambling in Ireland.
People who begin gambling underage, are far more likely to develop a problem than those who wait until they're 18.
A ban on advertising by betting companies before 9pm has been recommended by the Oireachtas Justice Committee.
Barry Grant, CEO of Extern Problem Gambling, says the figures don't bode well for the future.
"People see a number like 3,400 and think 'that's tiny'.
"But it's actually, as a percentage, double the adult problem gambling rate.
"There is a major problem coming down the line with young people."
He went on to say that betting companies are vulnerable:
"The government managed to stand up to the tobacco companies when they banned smoking in bars and restaurants.
"They have managed to take on some of the fast-food companies and figured out ways to regulate them at a degree.
"Obviously, the betting giants have a huge amount of money at their disposal but if they want a license to operate in the state under new regulations, they will have to play ball."
The Oireachtas Justice Committee recommends evaluating the link between sports and gambling advertising, to see if high-profile personalities are influencing young people.
The committee also wants better age verification on bookies' websites, as well as background checks on gamblers' financial situations.
Pam Bergin, CEO of the Gambling Awareness Trust, says tackling the impact of social media advertising will be difficult.
"It is going to be a significant challenge for the regulator when it comes to social media
"We would support the committees recommendation about the pre-watershed ban on TV because at least yo have some kind of idea that younger children are not going to be exposed to advertising after the watershed.
"But when it comes to social media then it is going to be a massive challenge for the regulator."
